That was more than apparent Monday night as the Staten Island Yankees opened their 2013 season to a large crowd of 6,711 at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George.

They watched a 2-1 Staten Island win over the rival Brooklyn Cyclones.

“There is no better way to spend a summer night than right here watching the local professional team,” said Grymes Hill resident George Bramwell who brought neighbors Nadia and Nastacha Beck and their friend Bella Occhipinti to the opener. “I’ve followed the team since they first started playing, and still enjoy it every time I come here. And the youngsters really love it. The girls have their gloves and they are ready for some baseball.”

New Brighton resident Chuck Magnuski was in his usual spot along the first-base line and admits that the atmosphere and caliber of play are not the only reasons he has been a fan since Day one.

“We have season tickets for the guys at the store (Victory Sports) the first couple of years when they played at the College of Staten Island, and I was hooked,” he admitted. “We are going to Yankee Stadium tomorrow night to see the return of Don Mattingly, but these games here are all about the future.

“I remember the first time I saw Brett Gardner play, and could not believe how fast he was. When you are involved in rotisserie baseball like I am, that’s the kind of information you store away in the back of your mind for a draft down the line.”

Even never-stop Tony Navarino found time to make opening night, and admitted he will always be there for Staten Island Yankees’ President Jane Rogers.

“Jane was always there for the CYO kids and I’ll never forget that,” the New Dorp resident explained. “And now the team has donated $10,000 to the Stephen Siller Foundation. Besides that, whenever the S.I. Baseball Oldtimers need the field or something else, Jane is right there. I’m a Yankee fan — but I’m also a Jane Rogers fan.”

And would it really be a Yankee game without Staten Island sports icon Bob Matthews sitting behind home plate?

“I see just about every game,” the West Brighton resident said. “I also go to a lot of high school and college games, but when the Yankees open up it means the weather is good and I don’t have to find a parking spot at Clove Lakes. I’ve followed the team since the first year, and I never get tired of watching good baseball.” 